My checklist included the Americana festival in Old Sacramento, the Sacramento Greek Festival, SacAnime, Sacramento Rainbow Festival, Chalk it Up, Sacramento's Free Day of Yoga and the opening of a Chicago Bears linebacker's new restaurant in Elk Grove.

What did I learn from the weekend, aside from proper techniques for avoiding claustrophobia in large crowds? Here are five takeaways from the whirlwind to-do list.

1. Unforgettable signage

Sometimes, speaking is overrated. Case in point: The guy who dressed as Nintendo's Mario and carried a "Have you seen my princess?" sign at SacAnime, a three-day event at the Sacramento Convention Center. Equally intriguing? The guy who carried a sign advertising "complimentary secret-keeping services" at the Sacramento Rainbow Festival, a fundraiser for local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender charities and causes.

2. Throwbacks

Classic cars and vintage vehicles lined the streets of Old Sacramento during the Americana festival that replaced Gold Rush Days, which was canceled due to California's drought.

Also, in addition to contemporary offerings such as yoga accompanied by DJ music, Sacramento's Free Day of Yoga included classes at Ananda Temple. Rather than strenuous exercise, yoga classes at the Rancho Cordova facility largely focus on the teachings of early spiritual leaders.

3. Food

Sacramento's growing role as a haven for foodies was evident throughout the weekend. The Greek Festival offered dishes ranging from gyros to a mouth-watering assortment of traditional pastries. Fun fact: The festival uses 800 pounds of butter, according to its Facebook page. This year, I learned there's life beyond baklava and began a love affair with melomakarona, cookies made with spices and (of course) butter.

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